Four States Expand the Use of Ignition Interlocks

More states are recognizing the
lifesaving potential of alcohol
interlocks. So far this year, legislatures
in Washington, Nebraska,
Virginia and West Virginia have
passed legislation increasing the
use of alcohol ignition interlocks
for convicted drunk drivers.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving
(MADD) welcomes these new laws
as steps forward toward its ultimate
goal of eliminating drunk driving.
Former MADD president Glenn
Birch said "We applaud the significant
progress lawmakers have made
this year.and urge other states
to follow suit by passing tough
legislation requiring alcohol
ignition interlocks for all convicted
drunk drivers."

Two states-Washington
and Nebraska-have passed laws
requiring alcohol interlocks for all
convicted drunk drivers, including first-time offenders. These states
join Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana and
New Mexico, which have already
mandated ignition interlocks for a
first offense.

West Virginia has passed a bill
that expands the use of interlocks
for first-time, high BAC drunk drivers
and sets up strong incentives for
interlocks on the vehicles of lower
BAC offenders. Virginia's new law
requires convicted drunk drivers
who violate the conditions of a
restricted license to install interlocks
on their vehicles.

Other states are expected to
consider similar legislation this year.
According to MADD, bills have
already been introduced in or
are in development in California,
Florida, Colorado, Ohio, New Jersey,
Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee,
South Carolina, Missouri and North
Carolina.